As expected, Cincinnati bounced back against Pittsburgh. They took the series, though they should've swept, and the games were all difficult to watch. Homer Bailey, Edinson Volquez, and Johnny Cueto all looked great, but each one was let down by the bullpen. After winning in extras Friday and Saturday, the Reds couldn't muster another rally Sunday.
But let's focus on Saturday. The game was very apropos of the season.
The Reds honored Pete Rose for his 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit. The ceremony, though, was somewhat disappointing, considering I expected a speech. I guess Commissioner Bud Selig could only bend his rules a little. It was fine though. Seeing Rose back on the field gave me chills, especially hearing the "Pete" and "Hall of Fame" chants. But as the Reds honored one of the greatest players in the history of their franchise, the best player on their team now delivered. After choking away another lead, and then battling back to tie, Joey Votto bowed his neck and refused to let the night slip away. The MVP crushed a bomb to left center, and stood admiring the arc of the ball as it sailed deep into the night.
It was the perfect night. Pete Rose was back. Edinson Volquez looked like an ace again. Aroldis Chapman blew away hitters in the 9th. Joey Votto did what MVPs do. And by the end of the night, we knew that Cincinnati was back up 7 in the division, after former Red and current Brave Alex Gonzalez crushed a walk off of his own against St. Louis. Cincy also broke their consecutive losing season streak with their 81st win.
All on a night when the great history of the Reds bowed to the promising future.
Former MVP Rose, meet future MVP Votto.
The past has moved aside. These new, young Reds are looking to make a name of their own.
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